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Classic Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs

A stack of tender, saucy Classic Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs glistening with rich BBQ sauce on a white plate.
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Make tender, fall-off-the-bone BBQ ribs using your slow cooker with this simple, classic recipe.

Ingredients

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  • 3 lbs pork or beef ribs (St. Louis or baby back)
  • 1 cup water or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. If using pork ribs, remove the thin membrane from the bone side using a dull knife or paper towel.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to create the dry rub.
  3. Rub the spice mixture evenly over all sides of the ribs.
  4. Pour the water or apple cider vinegar into the bottom of your slow cooker. Place the seasoned ribs on top.
  5. Pour the BBQ sauce over the ribs. You can reserve half the sauce for basting later.
  6. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours, or on HIGH for 3.5 to 4 hours, until the meat is very tender.
  7. Carefully remove the ribs from the slow cooker and place them on a foil-lined baking sheet.
  8. Brush the ribs with the remaining reserved BBQ sauce.
  9. Broil on high for 3 to 5 minutes, watching closely, until the sauce is caramelized and slightly sticky.
  10. Slice between the bones and serve immediately.

Notes

  • For extra smoky flavor, add 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke to the sauce mixture before cooking.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the cooked ribs and simmer the remaining liquid in the slow cooker on high for 15 minutes until reduced.
  • This recipe works well for both pork and beef ribs, but beef ribs may require the full 8 hours on low for maximum tenderness.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://spoonsprout.com/classic-slow-cooker-bbq-ribs/